Tunnel liner



' Dec. 1, 1936. J; R. FREEZE El AL TUNNEL-LINER FiledMarch 12, 1955 s Sheets-Sheet 1 In venfbrs. Jbnaffiarr F- ATTORNEYS.

1935- J. R. FREEZE Er AL TUNNEL LINER Filed March 12, 1955 s Sheets-Sheet P InVenfor-s, 2 b Jbnmlzan R.Freeze Ami: E 2m aiding.

- 19369 J. R. F-REEZE AL. I 2,06 2 f 706' 5' Shei-Sheet s TUNNEL LINER Filed March 12, 1935 x aw W J R- f. 2:. 12 a M 5 #1:.

BY Y

a/fiw I ATTORNEY;

Patented Dec. 1, 1936 PATENT OFFICE TUNNEL LINER Jonathan R. Freeze and Arch w. Spaulding, Middletown, Ohio,

assignors to The American Rolling Mill Company, Middletown, one, a

corporation of Ohio Application March 12,

15 Claims.

Our invention relates to the lining of tunnels or similar passages, in which metal plate structure is used to support the adjacent ground structure. The cross section of the tunnel or like passage may be circular, elliptical or an approximation of these shapes; or it may be some segment of such a shape,-such that the curved portion of the cross section An object of our invention is to provide a liner for a tunnel, culvert or the like, made up of a. plurality of plates which can be readily assembled with bolts or drive plugs or the like.

A further object is to provide such a liner which can be assembled entirely from within the tunme! or like passage itself without removing any of the adjacent ground structure or earth substantially in excess of what is necessary for the tunnel or like passage.

A further object of our invention is to so relate the several pieces of the liner that the resistance to tangential relative displacement of the several pieces or plates due to the inward force of. the surrounding ground structure, is provided by the abutment of a part of one plate being imposed on the bolts or other fasteners which secure the pieces or plates together.

A further object of our invention is the provision of tunnel liner plates which are corrugated throughout one dimension, and which, when assembled, overlap in this dimension, so that the corrugations run continuously about the circumference of the structure. In this way, we avoid that weakness which comes from interrupting the corrugations near the juncture between plates, and are able to do without separate strengthening structures in many cases where otherwise they would be required.

A further object is to provide for the continuous corrugations or ribs, around the structure, and yet where the sections or plates are joined together, the abutment of a part of one plate against a part of the other; as above referred to.

In carrying out our above described objects, we prefer to provide the sections or plates, which are curved in one direction as cross sectional contour of the tunnel, with flanges on their edges that extend along the direction of curvature, which flanges connect to like flanges on the sections or plates of an adjacent assembly of. like plates; and we may form these flanges to interlap at their ends, and to have abutment means, or the flange of each section may merely abutits end against the flange of a succeeding would be. called an arch.

against a part of the other, instead of this duty segments of the 1935, Serial No. 10,690

section, so that the two abutting ends help to sustain the inward force, above mentioned. In general, our object is to provide a substantially uniform strength throughout the structure with a minimum of material in proportion to the 5 strength, and to afiord especially secure fastening of the several platesor sections of an assembly together, as well as of the assemblies to each other.

Other objects will appear inthe course of the following description; in which:-

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a tunnel liner, constructed according to our in vention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of. one of the plates or sections.

Figure 3 is a similar view showing a modification thereof.

Figure 4 is an enlarged longitudinal section on the line 'it of Figure 1, except bolt and nut fasteningsare shown instead of split rivets.

Figure 5 is a partial plan view corresponding to the section of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a similar plan view, but illustrating the modification of Figure 3. I

Figure 7 is a partial section through a hori zontal joint showing a method of fastening the 1 plates together with drive rivets or the like where access to the outside is not available as illustrated in Figure l. 30

It will be understood that our invention is particularly intended for the construction of tunnels or culverts of relatively large diameter, as for instance, 15 feet and larger; this explanation being given, not as limiting, since the tunnel or culvert may be much less as illustrated in Figure 1, as well as greater in diameter thanthat just mentioned. We have shown a tunnel of elliptic cross section, but it will, of course, be'understood? that other cross sections may occur which are curved throughout their contours; or cross sections may occur which are not so curved throughout, as for instance, arches or curved topped straight sided tunnels.

'However, in any case, the cross section will include a curved portion which is made up of a series of plates or sections in succession circumferentially, to form-an assembly, and the structure will consist of a longitudinal succession of these assemblies connected together. 50

In the examples shown, the circumferential corrugations are of V-shape, with a wide angle between the two legs of the V, although it will be understood that we'are not limited to this particular shape of corrugations. We prefer the V-shaped corrugations with straight sides, because this best leaves room for the connecting elements where the sections join each other in circumferential succession. The metal is preferably a heavy metal, such as the product of the continuous hot mill, known as rough plate.-

Where the assemblies join each other in longitudinal succession, the plates or sections have radially inwardly turned flanges, the flanges of two meeting assemblies being bolted together. In our preferred construction, as shown except in Figs. 3 and 6, these flanges interlap where one section meets the other, and they may be bolted together where they interlap. However, our invention also comprehends the use of flanges as shown in Figs. 3 and 6 which do not interlap; the flanges 2' terminating short of the main part of the section or plate I' at one end thereof, and being adapted to have its end 2b abut the end 20 of the flange 2" of the next circumferentially succeeding section i.

With the above exception, the following description will apply to both examples of our invention; and in referring to the plates or sections I and their flanges 2, of our preferred exampleshown in those views except Figs. 3 and 6, it'

will be understood that the same description applies to the plates or sections I and I and their flanges 2 and 2" of those two views.

It will be understood that, according. to total size of the plate or section, and also according to the size of the corrugations, a plate or section may include any desired number of corrugations; in this case a plate or section being shown 'with only three corrugations.

An important advantage of our invention is that, for corrugations of a given depth, it is possible to make the plates or sections with a single set of apparatus; although for tunnels or like structures, of difierent radius or diameter it is nesessary to have the plates or sections of different curvatures. 'It is necessary only to bend the corrugated plate with suitable bending apparatus well known in the art, to the desiredv degree of curvature; the end formation to afford the abutment preferably being made previous to bending. The inturned flanges are formed after the bending by suitable well known means, but preferably before. As fastenings, headed hollow studs or split rivets as illustrated in Fig. 7 and Fig. 1, may

be inserted through registering openings through interlapped rtions of the plates, and expanded suitable tool or bolts with nuts welded to plates as shown in may be used. y

Along the edge portion of each section that is to come adjacent a longitudinally succeeding section, the plate or section is formedapproximately as at la, with an inturned flange 2, this cylindrical portion preferably being of minimum width for bolt and nut clearance, so that portions la and flange 2 of two meeting-sections may have about'the same cross section-ms one of .the corrugations.

One edge portion of each section that is to con-.

nect with the edge portion 3, Fig. '5 and Fig. 6,

of 'a circumferentially succeeding section, is depressed radially inward, leaving a shoulder 4, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, to fit'insidetheedge portion of the next adjacent section, with the edge of this adjacent section abutting the shoulder 4, throughout the cross section of the portions la and corrugations. With the interlapped portions of the plates having their corrugations continuous with: the corrugations throughoutthelengthof each passage being lined.

Figures 4, and 8 that the. holes respective plate, the joints thus formed are as strong as, or even stronger than, the plates them- "selves, when theinterlapped portions are connected.

The inturned flange 2 also has its end portion 5 inwardly depressed as a continuation of the inner depression 3, leaving a shoulder 6 as a continuation of the shoulder 4; this depression 5 fitting inside the underpressed end portion of the flange 2 on the next adjacent section.

With a. series of such plates or sections formed asjust described, a curved shell may be built up with a practically uninterrupted circular or other desired exterior contour at all points along its length throughout the end portions la and the corrugations;. and also with its ends, having the flanges 2, exteriorly in substantially a single d1- ametral plane.

It is such cylindrical shells, succeeding each other in axial direction, which are assembled by securing the meeting flanges 2 together; and it will be seen that a tight, accurate connection can be made because of the uninterrupted planes of the mutually engaging surfaces of the two flanges. At the same time, as above mentioned, the total area of the portions Ia and the flanges 2, at such a junction, is about the same as that of any of the corrugations-allowing for holes, slots or other recesses formed in the flanges to allow connection of the shells together.

The assembly is described as of approximately cylindrical shells, just above, for ready understanding; but it will be understood/that acomplete shell is not inserted into the tunnel or other Rather, such a shell is completed by securing its sections onto a previously formed shell and also securing the interlapped filling around the lining after a shell is assembled.

The sections may be securedtogether by any suitable means, such as the expansion bushings 1 of Figure 7 or the bolts Ia of Fig. 4, for the interlappingends of the plates, and the bolts and nuts 8 for the meeting flanges 2; 'However, since abutments 4 and 6 are provided throughout the cross section, where one plate is joined to another, these abutments will resist the inner thrust or compression of the surrounding material, and relieve the fastening means, such as the bolts Ia, bushing or split rivets I, of practically all of the shearing strain that would be due to this 'action. Therefore, such fastening means need not be particularly large, and need only act under a considerably less strain, which is a tensional strain, to hold the interlapping portions of the plates together and maintain the abutmentwith the shoulders 4 and 6.

In forming a section I; to the required curved shape, with the corrugations also formed, the ends of the plate become somewhat distorted from a straight line, but not sufllciently to hinder the function of such end of one plate abutting the shoulder l on the adjacent plate; the shoulders preferably being formed before curving the plate and thus also taking substantially the same distortion as the end of the adjacent plate. Such distortion, however, makes it desirable, in order or bolts orlike fastenings I may practically register without too much over size, and yet be formed in the plate before it is curved, being located substantially midway between the compensating for slight inaccuracies of angular,

adjustment of plates relatively to each other in bringing their flanges 2 together. A bolt and nut 8a is shown in Fig. 4 as being passed through a depressed portion 5 of a flange 2 and the meeting end portion of the flange 2 of the adjacent plate; is 'not essential, and that the work may be greatly facilitated by dispensing with a fastening at this place. In such a case, the openings 9 would preferably be located somewhat nearer the ends of the flange 2; for instance, twice as far from each other as each is from the end.

Modifications other than those specifically mentioned herein may occur in practice, and it will be understood that what we. claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:.

1. A lining structure of the character described, comprising a series of assemblies of sections, each section being curved in one direction, the sections of each assembly being connected together in the direction of their curvature, the

assemblies of sections succeeding each other at an angle to that direction, each section where it is connected to a succeeding section in the direction of curvature having an edge portion overlapping an edge portion of the adjacent sec-.

means along said overlapping portions.

2. A lining structure of the character de scribed, comprising a semblies. of sections'succeeding each other at an angle to that direction, each section where it is connected tcta succeeding sectionin the direction of curvature having an edge portion of the adjacent section, and at least one of these sections having means against which the edge of the other section abuts to sustain the stress of internal compression of the lining structure fastening means along said overlapping portions, and each section where it meets a section of an'adjacent assembly having an in-' turned flange meeting the flange of the adjacent section, said flange receiving the means that connect's' theassemblies together. 3. A lining structure ofthe character described, comprising'a series of assemblies of sec-= tions, each section being curved in one direction, thesections of each assembly being connected together in the directionof their curvature, the

assemblies of sectionssucceeding each other at' an angle to that direction, is

eachsection where it connected to a succeeding section in the direction of curvature having an edge portion overlapping an edge portion of ,the adjacent section, and at least one of these sections having means against which the edge of the-other section abuts to sustain the stress of internal compression of an edge portion overlapping 4. A lining structure as set forth in claim 1, in I which each section has corrugations extending in the direction of itsv curvature, and in which the abutment mcans extends substantially throughout the entire cross section of all of the corrugations. a

5. An assembly to make up a part of a lining structure of the sections, each curved in one directionand sueceeding in the direction of their curvature and having their meeting edge portions interlapping, at least one of two edge portions being depressed, forming a shoulder to be abutted by the edge of the adjacent section, to sustain stress of inward compression on the assembly, said assembly including means for securing the sections together located along said interlapping edges, which means is relieved of said stress by the abutment of the edges and shoulders, and the assembly having certain portions of sections formed to make attachment to an adjacent like assembly.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5,inwhich the means for attachment with the adjacent assembly comprises a flange turned in from a section of the assembly, the edge of each section where the assembly is to meet the other assembly being provided with such a flange, and the flanges of adjacent sections interlapping, one end portion of each flange being depressed, forming an. abutment for-the end to sustain stress of said compression.

7. As a new and improved article of manufacture, a metal plate section curved inone direction and having 'one edge portion at one end of its curvaturedepressed, leaving an abutment for the edge of a like section lapping across the do pressed edge portion, securing means along said edge portion, said section having other edge portions which extend along its curvature also provided with securing means to secure it to corresponding edge portions of like sections.

8. A metal plate section as set forth in claim 7, in which the securing means at said edges along are flanges turned inwardly radially ,of the curvature, one end of each flange being gations.

10. A metal plate section as set forth in claim 7, which has corrugations extending in the direction or it's curvature but has itsflange-bearing edge portions of cross section extending subs'tantially parallel with the axis of curvature of the section, thisedge portion and its. flange being so character described, comprising of the meeting flange, also extending in the direc= proportioned-that they collectively have approxi- 'mately half the cross sectional area of each corrugation of the section.

11. As a new and improved article of manufacture, a metal plate section curved in one direction and having, on its edge portions along the direction of curvature, flanges extending radially inwardly of the curvature, each flange having one end portion depressed to interlap with an end portion of a like flange on a like section succeeding in the direction of curvature, the depression being substantially equalto the thickness of the flange-with which the depressed portion interlaps, and fastening means at said interlapping portion whereby a plurality of said sections, assembled in succession in the direction of their curvature, present a substantially plane surface along the faces of their flanges, for facility of contactwith the flanges of a like assembly of like sections.

12. As a new and improved article of manufacture, a generally rectangular metal plate section curved in one direction and having corrugations extending entirely from one end to the other in the direction of its curvature, and having one end portion depressed, leaving an abutment for the overlapping edge of an adjacent joining plate or section, which abutment extends substantially throughout the entire cross section of 'all of the corrugations, fastening means along said overlapping portions, said plate or section being provided with means at its other edges for connecting it to other like plates onsections, for the purposes set forth.

13. A metal plate section as set forth in claim 12, in which the connecting means at the edges of the plate running in the direction of its curvature comprises flanges at the respective edges,

each flange having its end portion also depressed,

to interlap with the end of another like flange on a like succeeding section or plate, and to provide a shoulder for abutment of the edge of said other flange.

14. A metal plate section as set forth inclaim 12, in which the connecting means at the edges of the plate running in the direction of its curvature comprises flanges at the respective edges, each flange being discontinued short of the end of the plate or section having the therein described depression and being adapted to engage its end with the end of another like flange on a like succeeding plate or section, for the purposes set forth.

15. As a new and improved article of manufacture, a metal plate section curved in one direction and having one edge portion at one end of its curvature depressed, leaving an abutment for the edge of a like section lapping across the depressed edge portion, and means along said depressed portion for fastening said section to the lapping portion of such adjacent section.

JONATHAN R. FREEZE. 'ARCH W. SPAULDING. 

